Halloween is known for being the spookiest day of the year – but it isn’t just the skeletons, bats, and spider webs that should give you pause. Because most Halloween celebrations happen at night (and have primary themes of pranking and mischief), this holiday tends to cause a lot of injuries each year. Add in adult parties that serve alcohol, and you’ve got a recipe for disaster.
Whether you’ve got kids who will be trick-or-treating or teenagers who will be out driving to parties, it’s important to review some safety ground rules with your family this Halloween. At Lessem, Newstat & Tooson, we hope that you and your family stay safe during this holiday. If you do sustain any injuries, then our personal injury team can assist you with pursuing a legal claim.
Here are 10 of our top safety tips for enjoying your Halloween:
- Watch out for sex offenders. Convicted sex offenders are required to add their names to a national registry – and they’re also prohibited from handing out candy to kids or wearing costumes that might appeal to children. If you’re new in the neighborhood, make sure to check your local registry before heading out to trick-or-treat.
- Enforce the buddy system. There’s strength in numbers! No matter how safe your neighborhood may seem, it’s a good idea to enforce the buddy system during trick-or-treating and other outings. Additionally, make sure there’s an adult present with all children under the age of 12.
- Check all bags of candy carefully. It might be hard to stop your kids from sneaking a few pieces of candy on the way home, but teach them to resist the urge: You never know what might be lurking in their candy bags. From allergic reactions to more sinister hazards like razor blades, parents should take the time to screen all their kid’s candy before letting them dive in.
- Use reflective tape and stickers on clothing. For wandering trick-or-treaters, reflective tape is one of the best defenses against dangerous pedestrian accidents. Before your kids leave the house, make sure to place reflective tape and stickers in strategic spots on their costumes.
- Don’t wear masks or capes. While it’s legal to wear a Halloween mask in the state of California, it’s probably a good idea to leave it at home unless you’re going to a known location. This is especially true if it’s hard to see inside the mask. Capes are also a trip-and-fall hazard and can be flammable if made from polyester or other synthetic fabrics.
- Check the ingredients list for all makeup. Halloween makeup does not face the same public scrutiny as regular cosmetics and may contain serious irritants. Whether you’re adding fake eyelashes or bright eye shadow to your look, be sure to scan the ingredients list for potential hazards and allergic reactions.
- Turn your headlights on early. Even if it’s still bright out when you head to your parties, make sure to turn your headlights on early for Halloween night. This will allow for greater visibility, which is important given that small children go trick-or-treating earlier in the day.
- Always pick a designated driver. Even if you’re only planning on one drink at your friend’s adult Halloween party, make sure you have a designated driver in mind or a rideshare service at the ready. It only takes two drinks for the average-sized woman to register with a BAC level at or above the legal limit, or about three drinks for the average-sized man.
- Put distractions away. Whether walking on the street or driving in your car, put your phone away and stay present through your Halloween festivities. Make sure to discuss the risks of distracted driving with any teenagers too – and ensure that your children aren’t distracted by iPhones and iPads while they’re out for trick-or-treating. Tech distractions like these can put your life in serious jeopardy.
- Watch out for sidewalk obstructions. Trip-and-fall hazards are everywhere on Halloween, from misplaced jack-o-lanterns to fallen decorations. The property owner may be responsible for injuries if they were negligent in setting out their décor, but you also have to exercise caution.
Trusted Representation for Your Injury Case
Although discussing safety with your family can be helpful, it isn’t always enough to protect them from a negligent person. Whether you’re injured on someone’s property, on the roads, or at a party, you could be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit and seek compensation for your losses. If you need assistance with your claim, Lessem, Newstat & Tooson, LLP can hold the right party accountable for your losses and help you navigate the legal process.
Call (800) 462-7160 today for more information.
